WattPower and First Solar Drive PM-KUSUM Agrivoltaic Expansion in Telangana
The recent ‘Solar Connect’ roundtable in Hyderabad marked a significant milestone for Telangana’s renewable energy sector. WattPower’s partnership with First Solar at Vivanta Hotel laid the groundwork for advancing agrivoltaic expansion under the PM-KUSUM scheme.
The Dual Advantage of Agrivoltaics for Farmers
Agrivoltaics combines agriculture with solar energy production on the same land. First Solar’s thin-film panels perform optimally in Telangana’s 40°C summers. Farmers benefit from:
- Additional income through electricity sales
- Up to 11% increased crop yields (proven in Rajasthan pilot)
- Enhanced land productivity
Solving the Solar Storage Challenge
WattPower addressed farmers’ sunset concerns by discussing advanced storage solutions. Battery costs have dropped 80% since 2015, making solar irrigation more reliable through technologies like high-voltage C&I battery systems.
Policy Support Driving Solar Adoption
PM-KUSUM’s 30GW target by 2026 gains momentum with Telangana’s incentives:
- 90% subsidy for solar pumps
- Attractive ₹3.10/kWh feed-in tariffs
- Net metering benefits
Case studies show solar pumps repay investments in 4.2 years through diesel savings.
Localizing Solar Manufacturing
While First Solar’s Series 7 panels avoid import duties, 60% components still come from China. The event highlighted localization opportunities that could reduce lead times from 8 weeks to 12 days.
Future Roadmap for Telangana’s Solar Growth
Key developments expected by Q3 2025 include:
- 10 demonstration farms with bifacial panels
- District-level farmer workshops
- Innovative financing models from Union Bank
The initiative promises 15-20% land value increases, transforming barren plots into productive assets.
